The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Are 0.355" bullets appropriate for .38 special?

Hal · July 16, 2005, 03:07 AM

Tom,
I've used 9mm (.355) bullets in a .38spl in the past.
There's 2 problems with using them.
1.) Incorrect size causes lowered accuracy.(already mentioned)
2.) Lack of a cannalure on the bullet to roll crimp them into a .38 spl case.

Other than that they worked ok.
You definatly won't win any mathes with the loads though..accuracy kinda sucks.

(looks like Bill and I were posting @ the same time)

Bullet length/seating depth shouldn't be much of a concern. Typical bullets for the 9mm (115/124/147 gr) are shorter than typical bullets for the .38spl (148/158/160 gr).

July 16, 2005, 03:07 AM	#6
Hal Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 1998 Location: Ohio USA Posts: 8,563	Tom, I've used 9mm (.355) bullets in a .38spl in the past. There's 2 problems with using them. 1.) Incorrect size causes lowered accuracy.(already mentioned) 2.) Lack of a cannalure on the bullet to roll crimp them into a .38 spl case. Other than that they worked ok. You definatly won't win any mathes with the loads though..accuracy kinda sucks. (looks like Bill and I were posting @ the same time) Bullet length/seating depth shouldn't be much of a concern. Typical bullets for the 9mm (115/124/147 gr) are shorter than typical bullets for the .38spl (148/158/160 gr).